Acne is a well-known and widespread skin condition that affects individuals both physically and psychologically. It takes various forms and can be held responsible for the poor body image some adolescents experience. Given its impact on our self-esteem, it comes as no surprise the extent to which many seek treatment for acne in today’s world. This can be anything from OTC medications, skincare products, and several advanced acne treatments by dermatologists.
Statistics have revealed that up to 80% of all adolescents suffer from acne and many adults over 30 are also affected. This plainly shows that a large number of people are battling acne and its effects. If this is the reason you’re here, read on as we may just have the solution you seek.
Acne can be treated at home with DIY face masks, creams, and more. However, if the issue persists, treatment of acne by a dermatologist may be your best route. Before you decide on what route to take, you first need to know all about acne and the various types of advanced treatments your dermatologist may recommend.
What’s acne?
Acne is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that causes spots and pimples, especially on the face, shoulders, back, neck, chest, and upper arms. It is one of the most common skin conditions and they occur predominantly during puberty when the sebaceous glands activate. Teenage boys tend to suffer more from acne than girls because the sebaceous glands that produce oil are usually triggered by the male sex hormones. However, different types of acne can occur specifically in adults or infants. To prevent extreme cases and the development of scars, you should consult a doctor early.
Types of acne
Acne (or acne vulgaris as referred to by doctors) is divided into several types, which are characterized by the severity of the skin changes:
- Acne comedonica: This is the mildest form of acne and is most common during puberty, although it can develop later in life. It primarily occurs on the face (nose, cheeks and forehead) and very rarely on the back. Its symptoms include blackheads and whiteheads.
- Acne papulopustulosa: This moderate form of acne primarily occurs on the face. It can range anywhere from moderate to severe and can cause skin to appear red and inflamed. If left unattended, they can leave scars.
- Acne conglobata: This is the most severe form of acne vulgaris and can be found anywhere from face to neck and back. If you have this, the pimples develop into large inflammatory nodules, abscesses, crusts, and deep scars. It mainly affects men and its scars can cause hyperpigmentation.
How can acne be treated?
Different treatments are required depending on the severity and cause of the disease. For example, with non-inflammatory acne-like blackheads, regular use of skin-safe cleaning agents is sufficient.
However, a little more caution is required with inflammatory acne as their treatments are not readily available over-the-counter. In this case, it is advisable to pay your dermatologist a visit. By using special masks and/or deep ultrasound cleansing, your dermatologist can treat your acne and also boost skin regeneration.
Here are 9 advanced treatments for acne currently used by dermatologists…
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): A blue light activates a topical medication that helps kill bacteria that cause acne. It also shrinks oil-producing glands in the skin.
Blue and Red-Light Therapy: Blue and red-light therapies painlessly work to kill P. acnes bacteria and significantly reduces the inflammation associated with its lesions.
Aerolase Neo laser: This handpiece painlessly treats acne on all skin types without direct skin contact. It reduces inflammation, destroys bacteria, stimulates collagen growth, and is safe for people of color.
FAST Laser Treatment: CO2 laser can significantly reduce the appearance of acne scars by boosting the body’s collagen production, which in turn fills in those pitted and scarred areas.
PRP for Acne Scars: The platelets found in our blood do a host of beneficial things, such as stimulating the regrowth of collagen and elastin: the building blocks of young and healthy skin. PRP is often recommended as an add-on therapy to laser scar treatments to deliver the best results possible to acne scar patients.
Chemical peels and more…
Chemical Peels: This is the best way to encourage exfoliation of the skin. They remove dead skin cells and pore-clogging debris, hence reducing pimples.
Microneedling for Acne Scars: Microneedling boosts the production of collagen which smoothens your skin’s appearance and helps to fill in fine lines, wrinkles, and scars. They work best for depressed as opposed to raised scars.
Cortisone Injections: Cortisone injections are ideal for dealing with pimples that occur right before a big event. They are injected directly into the pimple and take down the inflammation within 24-48 hours.
Isolaz Laser: The Isolaz® treatment is a painless FDA-cleared procedure used to clear out the pores and kill the P. acnes bacteria that lead to breakouts. There are two components to the Isolaz® treatment: a gentle suction that cleans your pores and a light one that simultaneously destroys the bacteria.
Shop editor’s acne treatment picks
Featured Image: Vagengeym_Elena / iStock
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